Steel slag's effect on concrete mechanical properties and durability

Abstract

The utilization of steel slag as a mineral additive in concrete has been the subject of research aimed at assessing its impact on concrete's properties such as compressive strength, chloride penetrability, drying shrinkage, and resistance to carbonation. In this study, two different conditions were considered: constant water-binder ratio and compressive strength after 28 days. The results showed that increasing the amount of steel slag in concrete decreased its compressive strength, particularly its early strength, permeability, and ability to resist carbonation under constant W/B conditions. At lower water-binder ratios, however, the adverse effects of steel slag on the strength of compression, penetrability, and the carbonation resistance of concrete were less pronounced. When the W/B was high early in the drying process, steel slag accelerated shrinkage, but it had no impact on the final shrinkage at 90 days. The impact on concrete drying shrinkage was minimal at low W/B. Under continuous 28-day compressive strength conditions, it was also discovered that concrete containing steel slag had a lesser early strength and a higher late performance than pure cement concrete. It was found that the penetrability, carbonation resistance, and drying shrinkage of steel slag concrete were comparable to those of regular and pure cement concrete. This research highlights the potential of steel slag as a mineral additive in concrete production, but its use must be carefully considered to ensure optimal results.